Stay stylish on a budget

Jean Paul Gaultier at Barbican

Now I’m sure you guys know by now that I adore brutalist architecture, and need no other reason to visit Barbican other than to enjoy the general ambience. But, right now, there’s an even more amazing reason to head over to Barbican, and that is to check out what I would consider THE exhibition of the year- Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk. As a doting fan of Jean Paul Gaultier, I couldn’t wait to get to the exhibition, and boy did it deliver. The collections on display reflect the diversity of his work and are all equally beautiful and evocative. If you love eclectic, unapologetic, dramatic fashion, be it mermaid-themed, dripping with religious insignia, or the absolute epitome of punk, then this is for you.

I’ll start out with one criticism of the exhibition, and that is- they didn’t have any costumes from The Fifth Element there, which to me is an incredible body of his work to miss out. I adore those costumes, being the sci-fi fan I am, and it is my very favourite film of all time. Being as Leeloo was on one of the brochures for the exhibition, I expected to see at least her thermal bandage costume, but no such section existed sadly, although there was reference made.

That though was a very minor setback in what was probably my very favourite fashion exhibition that I have ever attended. The simple reason for that, is that I just enjoy every avenue and theme that Jean Paul Gaultier has gone down through the years. I’m inspired daily by his punk and biker looks, his amazing mermaid eveningwear is the stuff of dreams, and having created everything from Moulin Rouge-esque Parisian gear to skull encrusted knitwear- there isn’t a designer dead or alive whose entire vision I don’t understand and covet more.

Without spoiling the exhibition for those who haven’t been yet, I thought I’d show you just a few of my favourite pieces here today. What I wouldn’t give for the leather, badge-embellished biker and skull necklace! There were so many fabulous creations that I’d don in a heartbeat, and I’ve already planned to visit the exhibition once more before it closes on the 25th August. Seriously, my enthusiasm just can’t be snuffed out, I will continue to be besotted and thoroughly encourage everyone who can, to go! You can check out all you need to know about the exhibition here. That’s all for today, let me know if you’ve been, and if so, what your favourite pieces were! Until next time…